Frustration is mounting among Western Australia's commercial demersal fishers, many of whom have yet to receive compensation nine months after the closure of the West Coast demersal fishery. The government had allocated $20 million to compensate or buy out affected operators following sustainability concerns highlighted by data on indicator species such as pink snapper.

Fishers negotiating with the government report that most affected remain unpaid. The process has faced delays, and concerns intensified after the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development informed fishers that negotiations would now be conducted directly with Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis, who recently ended an arrangement with a Perth barrister previously handling compensation talks.

WA Fishing Industry Council chief executive Manue Daniels expressed cautious optimism that moving negotiations in-house might accelerate settlements but noted that more information was needed. Daniels highlighted the diversity within the fleet, stating, "We can't pigeon-hole every fisher, we are all totally different … there's a real mix of the types of fishing, the size of the boats, the scale, and different bits and pieces that put together what is the wet-line fleet."

He also noted that 30 wet-line boats and six shark boats have been forced off the water since the closure.

Fishers have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the delays. One remarked, "It's nine months and they haven't been able to generate any income. It's not right." Another added, "It is absolutely unacceptable to have people not being able to pay their bills, not being able to afford living and basic needs, and take that long to sort out the process."

In response, Minister Jackie Jarvis stated, "Commercial fishers who lease a licence are required to renew their licence on an annual basis and are encouraged to consider market conditions, including sustainability concerns, when choosing to enter such commercial arrangements."

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